The Planning Committee of Richmond upon Thames Council met on Wednesday 14 October 2026 to discuss three key items. The committee considered a retrospective application to convert Kingston Bridge House into apartments and a hotel, granted planning permission and listed building consent for a new summer house and refurbishment of a garage at Heatham House to create a Family Hub and outdoor nursery, and confirmed a Tree Preservation Order for a horse chestnut tree at 19 Queens Road.

Kingston Bridge House, Church Grove, Hampton Wick

The committee considered a retrospective application for the change of use of Kingston Bridge House from student accommodation to 22 residential apartments and a 90-bed hotel. The application was made subject to the completion of a Section 106 legal agreement and a series of planning conditions.

The application, which was retrospective as construction was already substantially complete, was for the conversion of the former Kingston University student accommodation building. The proposal retains the existing building's height and scale while improving its appearance through upgraded materials and landscaping. It will deliver a 62% reduction in carbon emissions, exceed biodiversity requirements, and includes contributions towards local play facilities. Transport impacts were considered acceptable, with parking controls, car club provision, and public realm improvements promoting sustainable travel.

During the discussion, concerns were raised about the retrospective nature of the application and the financial viability of providing affordable housing. The applicant's representative explained that the building industry had faced difficulties, making the previously consented scheme unviable. He highlighted the applicant's commitment to delivering four shared ownership homes, two of which would be wheelchair accessible, despite viability assessments indicating the scheme was not profitable enough to provide affordable housing. Councillors acknowledged the need for affordable housing but, on balance, supported the officer's recommendation for approval, citing the benefits of bringing a vacant building back into use, the provision of hotel accommodation, and environmental improvements.

The committee voted in favour of approving the application, with the addendum incorporated.

Heatham House Youth Centre, Whitton Road, Twickenham

The committee granted planning permission and listed building consent for the erection of a new standalone building, referred to as a 'Summer House', and the refurbishment of the existing garage building at Heatham House Youth Centre. These works are intended to facilitate the provision of a Family Hub and an outdoor nursery.

The proposal was considered to be inappropriate development within Metropolitan Open Land (MOL) and also raised concerns regarding its impact on the setting of the Grade II listed Heatham House. However, officers argued that very special circumstances had been demonstrated, outweighing the identified harms. These circumstances included the significant social and community benefits of delivering the Borough's Family Hub programme, which aims to provide integrated health, education, and welfare services for families. The development would also enable the continued operation of the existing outdoor nursery and improve landscaping and ecological features on the site.

Councillor Piers Allen, Chair of the Adult Social Services, Health and Housing Services Committee, spoke in support, highlighting the importance of the Family Hub programme and the lack of alternative viable sites. Councillor John Coombs, Spokesperson for Arts and Culture, also supported the application, noting the respectful treatment of the building and the environmental benefits.

The committee voted to approve both the planning application and the listed building consent, subject to conditions and informatives.

Tree Preservation Order TP260011 - Rear garden of 19 Queens Road, Twickenham

The committee considered whether to confirm a provisional Tree Preservation Order (TPO) on a mature horse chestnut tree in the rear garden of 19 Queens Road. The TPO was initially served following a notice to remove the tree, and a provisional order was made to allow time for further assessment of the tree's condition.

The objector raised concerns about the tree's size, proximity to neighbouring properties, basal decay, and potential for structural failure, suggesting it should be removed and replaced with a smaller species. They also argued the tree had limited public amenity value.

The council's officer presented evidence that the tree, while having a cavity and decay, appeared to be in good physiological condition. They stated that no independent arboricultural evidence had been submitted to demonstrate the tree was unsafe or required removal. The tree was noted to be visible from several public locations and contributed to the local townscape and biodiversity. The TEMPO¹ assessment tool scored the tree at 16, indicating it merits a TPO.

During the discussion, Councillor Jeremy Davis expressed concern about the tree's size and potential risk to neighbouring properties, stating they would not be supporting the TPO. However, the majority of the committee felt that without sufficient evidence of the tree being unsafe, the TPO should be confirmed to ensure any future works were properly assessed.

The committee voted by seven votes to two to confirm the Tree Preservation Order without modification.